The 2027 Volvo XC90 arrives with a focused set of updates that improve the ownership experience without redesigning what is already one of the most well-regarded luxury three-row SUVs on the market. For Huntington and North Shore families who have been watching the XC90 lineup, here is a clear summary of what is new, what has changed, and what it means for your buying decision.
Bottom Line: The 2027 XC90 gains a new exterior color (Forest Lake), Harman Kardon audio as standard on the Plus trim, the ability to disable auto start-stop at every drive cycle, and a streamlined trim structure — all while retaining the XC90’s core strengths in safety, comfort, and versatility.
- Forest Lake Metallic joins the color palette — a distinctive deep teal-green available across all trims
- Harman Kardon Premium Sound is now standard on all Plus trims, upgrading from High Performance Sound
- The T8 plug-in hybrid uses an updated engine producing 401 horsepower
What’s New for 2027
Forest Lake Exterior Color
Forest Lake Metallic is the most visually distinctive addition to the 2027 XC90 lineup. It is a deep teal-green metallic — referencing the stillness of northern water — that brings meaningful character to the XC90’s confident exterior. Forest Lake is available across all trim levels and with all upholstery options.
For buyers who have been choosing between Vapour Grey and Onyx Black for years, Forest Lake offers a genuinely different visual statement that remains sophisticated and professional in any setting.
Harman Kardon Now Standard on Plus
Previously, Harman Kardon Premium Sound was positioned as a step-up feature. For 2027, it is standard on all Plus trim XC90s — both B5, B6, and T8 Plus configurations. This is a meaningful value improvement for buyers who were previously ordering Plus with the audio option added.
Harman Kardon on the XC90 is a 14-speaker, premium-tuned system that delivers substantially richer audio than the High Performance Sound system it replaces as the Plus standard. Buyers who commute daily from Huntington or Northport with podcasts or music will notice the difference immediately.
Auto Start-Stop Disable
The 2027 XC90 mild hybrid (B5 and B6) can now disable the automatic engine start-stop system at the beginning of each drive cycle through a driver-configurable setting. This addresses a consistent feedback point from MHEV buyers who prefer continuous engine operation in stop-and-go traffic.
This is a preference feature, not a performance change. The engine start-stop system in mild hybrid vehicles is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The ability to disable it gives drivers who find the behavior jarring more control over their driving experience.
Updated T8 Engine
The 2027 XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid uses a next-generation engine producing 401 horsepower. This reflects the updated generation of Volvo’s powertrain, with engine character and refinement appropriate to the XC90’s flagship positioning. Performance timing figures remain strong — the 0–60 improvement is minimal (approximately 0.1 seconds) compared to the previous T8.
Trim Structure Changes
The 2027 XC90 consolidates its trim lineup for clarity. Core continues with the B5 mild hybrid as the value entry point. Plus expands to offer B5, B6, and T8. Ultra offers B6 and T8, with the Ultra Dark variant available on both.
Removed for 2027: B5 AWD Ultra configurations (6P and 7P), B5 AWD Plus 6-passenger, and B6/T8 Core trims. These removals simplify the decision matrix and ensure each trim level represents a clear value proposition.
What Stays the Same
Everything that makes the XC90 one of the best three-row luxury SUVs in the world carries forward unchanged: the laminated panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, four-zone automatic climate control, theater-style elevated seating, Pilot Assist, heated front and rear seats, BLIS, and the full active safety suite. The XC90’s structural integrity, ride quality, and overall character are unchanged.
The XC90’s core value proposition — maximum versatility for large families, world-class passive safety, Scandinavian interior design, and powertrain flexibility across mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid — remains exactly as it was.
"The 2027 XC90 is the car that was already great, made better in specific ways that buyers asked for. Harman Kardon on Plus is a real upgrade. Forest Lake is going to be the most popular color we've seen on the XC90 in years. And the T8 update keeps the powertrain fresh."
General Manager, Volvo Cars of Huntington
Browse 2027 XC90 inventory at Volvo Cars of Huntington or view current new vehicle specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important change on the 2027 XC90? Harman Kardon becoming standard on Plus is the most broadly impactful change for buyers — it upgrades the audio experience without requiring an option add. Forest Lake is the most visually distinctive addition.
Is the 2027 XC90 T8 less powerful than the 2026? The 2027 T8 uses an updated engine rated at 401 horsepower. The 0–60 difference versus the previous generation is approximately 0.1 seconds — imperceptible in daily driving.
Can I disable auto start-stop on the 2027 XC90 every time I start the car? Yes — a driver-configurable setting allows disabling auto start-stop at the start of every drive cycle on B5 and B6 mild hybrid trims.
Is Forest Lake available on all XC90 trims? Yes — Forest Lake Metallic is available across Core, Plus, Ultra, and Ultra Dark trims with all upholstery options.
Are sun curtains standard on 2027 XC90 Plus? Yes — sun curtains for the rear side doors are now standard on Plus trim, a new addition for 2027.
See the 2027 XC90 in person at Volvo Cars of Huntington, serving Huntington, Northport, Commack, and Melville. Contact our team.
Related reading: 2027 XC90 Complete Guide | 2027 XC90 B5 vs B6 vs T8 Powertrain Guide